DNP Launches AN-IPPON to Support Global Expansion of Japanese IP and Regional Craft Industries

Tokyo, June 30, 2026 — Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) will launch AN-IPPON, a new international brand combining Japanese anime intellectual property (IP) with regional craftsmanship.  The brand officially launches on June 30, 2026, and in the first phase will introduce collaborative products featuring the anime series NARUTO SHIPPUDEN together with Kutani ware from Ishikawa Japan, Yonezawa textiles from Yamagata Japan, and Akabeko folk crafts from the Aizu region of Fukushima Japan.

Advance sales will begin at two DNP-operated Tokyo Anime Center locations, the first in San Francisco, CA and the second in Burlington, MA, a suburb of Boston. Summer 2026 will see further expansion of the AN-IPPON retail presence in the US when sales begin at animate Los Angeles, located in Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, CA.

DNP will provide end-to-end support, including coordination with IP rights holders, product planning with craft-producing regions, along with sales and promotional activities in the US. Through these efforts, we aim to establish a new overseas business model that connects Japan-generated IP with traditional craft industries from across Japan.

＊AN-IPPON Official Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/an_ippon/

Along with the continuing global expansion of Japanese anime, opportunities are also on the rise for traditional Japanese crafts to reach overseas markets. However, expanding craft products internationally presents challenges, including raising consumer awareness and establishing a sales base. DNP has promoted the international expansion of Japanese content leveraging its network of IP rights holders and extensive expertise in IP-related businesses. These efforts have included activities through the Tokyo Anime Center and DNP’s product brand AIMA(*1).​​

Through AN-IPPON, we will combine the strong appeal and global recognition of anime IP with the cultural value of traditional Japanese crafts. By providing a one-stop solution encompassing product planning, sales, and promotion, we will support the overseas expansion of craft industries throughout Japan.

AN-IPPON is a DNP brand that combines Japanese anime with regional crafts for international markets. The name incorporates the word “ippon”, which embodies meanings such as “mastering a single path” and “maintaining unwavering dedication.” The brand reflects the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship passed down through generations combined with the worldview of anime works.  Rather than offering conventional character merchandise, AN-IPPON provides products that possess intrinsic value as craftworks.

The first AN-IPPON collection features products that combine the world of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN with Kutani ware, Yonezawa textiles, and Akabeko crafts.

These small decorative plates showcase Kutani ware, one of the most celebrated traditional crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture. The collection blends NARUTO-themed motifs with the distinctive bold colors and intricate hand-painted designs of Kutani ware.

Suggested retail price for a Set of Five Plates US$299.99. Suggested retail price per design: US$99.99.

Handcrafted Akabeko figures are based on the traditional folk craft of the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture. Inspired by the protagonist Uzumaki Naruto and the Tailed Beasts that appear in the NARUTO series, each piece is meticulously crafted by artisans in Aizu. Two versions available, each set includes five figures.

Suggested retail price per five figure set: US$299.99.

These scarves are produced using Yonezawa weaving techniques, a traditional textile craft originating in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. The unique texture and craftsmanship of Yonezawa textiles transform the NARUTO worldview into a sophisticated fashion accessory.

Two designs available.

At left: Kutani ware decorative plates with NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

At center: Akabeko figures NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

At right: Yonezawa textile scarf with NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

• For additional product information, please visit: https://www.global.dnp/en/biz/solution/culture/an_ippon/
• Initial sales will be limited to the United States.

AN-IPPON products will be sold through DNP-operated Tokyo Anime Center locations in the United States as well as at major anime-related events. By combining permanent retail outlets with large-scale events, DNP will be in a position to analyze consumer feedback and sales data to guide future product development and determine priority regions for expansion.

Sales launch: June 30, 2026

• Tokyo Anime Center in San Francisco, CA.
• Tokyo Anime Center Burlington Mall, MA.

Scheduled sales launch: Summer 2026

• animate Los Angeles, Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, CA.

Through AN-IPPON, DNP will continue to promote the international expansion of products that combine Japanese anime and game content with traditional crafts from across Japan. We plan to broaden the range of craft categories to include lacquerware, Japanese paper products, ceramics, dyed and woven textiles, and aim to establish partnerships with craft-producing regions in all 47 prefectures of Japan over the next three years. Building on its the United States operations, DNP also plans to expand sales channels into five countries and regions, including Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. We also plan to increase the number of Tokyo Anime Center locations in the United States to ten by FY 2026 aiming to achieve annual sales of JPY 2 billion by FY 2028.

*1 About "AIMA" → https://www.dnp.co.jp/news/detail/10161845_1587.html (in Japanese)